Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Destination Development Corporation recently awarded $450,145.40 in grant funding for projects around the state, including two in the Radius Indiana region.
The Orange County Economic Development Partnership was awarded a $15,000 IN Indiana Placemaking Activation grant to create murals on silos along the Monon South Trail in Orleans.
In Greene County, the Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum received $6,000 for trail wayfinding signage and sculpture placards.
Skylar Whiteman, executive director of OCEDP, said the mural will incorporate the county’s local history as it ties into the Monon Railroad, which once made numerous stops in Orleans.
“What started as a seemingly wild idea to bring a show-stopping piece of art to the front porch of Orange County quickly evolved into a project with real potential and we are thrilled that we’re going to see it come to life this summer!” Whiteman said. “A mural depicting an old Monon train traveling through Orleans farmland will be painted on the Springer Brothers Farms grain bins on Highway 37 in Orleans. This visual will honor our local history and will also serve to enhance the Monon South Trail, which we believe has the power to positively impact both Orleans and the wider Orange County area.”
Bloomington artist Adam Long, who has painted many public art projects in southern Indiana, will create the new mural.
“Adam has shown an incredible talent for large-scale and beautifully detailed murals and we’re excited to see his work in Orleans,” Whiteman said.
OCEDP is still accepting private and corporate donations to fund the final phase of the project. Whiteman said her office is grateful to the corporate and community partners that have already contributed. To find out more about supporting the project, call OCEDP at and is 812-936-3388.
In total, the IDDC grants will support five Indiana Destination Development and eight IN Indiana Placemaking Activation grant projects.
“The Indiana Destination Development Grant and IN Indiana Placemaking Activation Grant are designed to support local initiatives that drive tourism boost economic growth,” said Amy Howell, IDDC interim CEO. “We are proud to partner with communities around Indiana through these grants to showcase what makes them special while creating a lasting impact for residents and visitors.”
The Indiana Destination Development Grant is a matching grant between $50,000 and $250,000 to fund public high-impact projects that enhance existing tourism. These projects will enhance Indiana’s capacity to attract visitors, provide tourism experiences, and enhance residential quality of life.
- Conner Prairie in Fishers (a Smithsonian affiliate) was awarded $50,000 to redefine how visitors view and use the Museum Experience Center through immersive and interactive experiences. The project includes; Wellspring, which combines artwork and a playscape; two permanent galleries; and a changing gallery that will provide the opportunity to host traveling national and international exhibits.
- The Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation in Muncie was awarded $140,000 to complete an expansion of the National Model Aviation Museum. The expansion includes a hands-on experience gallery, educational curriculum and materials, an open-area exhibit, and campus-wide enhancements.
- Richmond Parks and Recreation was awarded $50,000 to construct a picnic table shelter as part of the first phase of the Whitewater Valley Gorge Park project. The project plans include trailhead developments, trail expansions, and several adventure tourism experiences that will position Whitewater Gorge Park as an integral part of Richmond’s outdoor recreation. The shelter will stitch together the environment, community members, and activities at the park, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
- The War Veterans Memorial Shrine of American History Inc. in Fort Wayne was awarded $75,000 to complete a first-of-its-kind Tribute to Women in the Military monument. The three-piece monument will feature a full-color graphic as its centerpiece accompanied by two matching panels listing women who made significant contributions during their military service.
- Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department was awarded $50,000 to build the first championship, gold-level disc golf course in Indiana. Grant funding will be used to build and install 27 disc golf baskets and 54 concrete tees for each disc golf hole. The course will be located in Fowler Park, just south of Terre Haute and is being designed to rival top disc golf courses around the United States.
Indiana Destination Development Grant projects were presented during an executive session of the IDDC Board and funds were allocated during a public meeting following the presentations.
The IN Indiana Placemaking Activation Grant is a matching grant of up to $25,000 to fund signage and placemaking efforts. These projects will showcase local communities and connect them with the rest of the state using the IN Indiana identifier. The grants include a diverse group of locations and projects from urban to rural settings, in both large and small communities, in different regions of the state.
The following organizations were awarded the IN Indiana Placemaking Activation Grant:
- Blue River Community Foundation (Mount Fuji alleyway project) – $15,000.
- Brown County Playhouse Management, Inc. (Playhouse mural) – $15,000.
- City of Boonville (Abraham Lincoln statues) – $25,000.
- Greensburg Main Street (Decatur Co. Photography trail wayfinding signage) – $4,015.
- Orange County Economic Development Partnership (Monon South Trail silo murals) – $15,000.
- Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum (Trail wayfinding signage and sculpture placards) – $6,000.
- Spencer County Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Lincoln and Santa Claus mural) – $2,488.50
- Town of Lynnville (Tecumseh Trail entrance sign) – $2,639.90
For more information about awards and grants, click here.